State assembly passes bill banning use of pesticides on school playing fields, playgrounds

Albany, NY -- The state Assembly on Tuesday approved a measure banning the use of pesticides on school playing fields and day care playgrounds, a measure identical to a bill the Senate passed last month.

Many schools use pesticides on athletic fields to kill bugs, pests and weeds. The bill would prohibit schools from using chemicals. They could continue to use pesticides on surrounding green areas and inside schools to combat rats or other pests.

The legislation still needs approval from Gov. David Paterson to become law. It would become effective 180 days after the governor signs it.

Chemical companies lobbied lawmakers to vote against the bill. They say pesticides are highly regulated by the state Department of Environmental Conservation and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and therefore safe to use.